Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Taken

GIVEAWAY

HENDERSON, DEETAKEN

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand,
and his new client, missing far too long...

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn't mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they'll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon's life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her--even if it means stirring up a hornet's nest of secrets.

My Review:

You'll find that there are some mixed reviews out there about Taken. Readers either love it or...well, don't. I think the thing you need to understand before diving into this read is that this isn't your typical, heart-in-your-throat, page-turning suspense. This story deals with the aftermath of an eleven year long kidnapping. And as Shannon deals with the fallout, we learn about those years. The suspense is subtle -- the slow reveal of the pieces of her life over the past decade. And while I wasn't jumping out of my skin or nervously looking over my shoulder all the time, I was still riveted.

I don't think there's anyone who can build a slow romance out of friendship like Henderson can. I love the deliberate care she takes with relationships. It's almost understated but so important to the depth of each character. The author does an admirable -- and realistic -- job of meshing Matthew and Shannon's lives given the circumstances that surround them. There's kindness and patience and such tenderness that it made my heart ache, but honestly, they're just at the beginning of something wonderful by the time the book ends. I appreciated the realism though other reviewers found the romance lacking.

Another interesting aspect of this book is that it is written completely from Matthew's point of view. That took me by surprise at first and I kept waiting for the POV switch that never came. But, honestly, I don't think Henderson could have written it any other way since Shannon is at the core of all the suspense and it wouldn't do for the reader to be party to her inner most thoughts and impressions. However, that doesn't mean I didn't feel a connection with her. I did. And seeing her through Matthew's eyes only, discovering the nuances of her character at the exact time he did, actually sharpened my impressions of her. And at the same time deepened my understanding of him.

There's also some thought-provoking discussions on God and where He fits into the grand scheme of our lives -- especially when bad things happen. A great starting point for discussion or private contemplation.

So, would I recommend Taken? Absolutely. A compelling read that totally captured my imagination and still lingers with me after the read is over.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Taken pleaseleave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 14 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

This sounds just like my kind of book. Sometimes intense suspense (no rhyme intended) is too much for me to enjoy. Anyway, slow romance and Dee Henderson are always good. Thanks for a great review, Kav.cregnier(at)twinvalley(dot)net

I really enjoyed Dee Henderson's O'Malley family series years ago but hadn't read any of her recent books, until last week when I read Undected. It made me want to read some of her more recent work. Thanks for your review of Taken. It's one I'll be looking for.pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com